第04章 “为你们生了救主”
§1
第04章 “为你们生了救主”
§2
Chap. 4 - Unto You a Saviour
§3
（本章根据：路2:1-20）
§4
“荣耀的王”屈身自卑，取了人性生活在地上时，他周围的一切都是简陋不堪的。基督遮掩了自己的荣光，免得因外表的威仪而引人注目；他避免一切外在的炫耀。世上的荣华富贵和人间的功名利禄，永不能救一个人脱离死亡。耶稣决意不用这属世的吸引来召唤人到他身边，必须让属天真理的完美吸引人来跟从他。弥赛亚的特征早已在预言中说明了；他要世人单凭上帝的话所作的见证来接待他。[1]{DA 43.1}
§5
The King of glory stooped low to take humanity. Rude and forbidding were His earthly surroundings. His glory was veiled, that the majesty of His outward form might not become an object of attraction. He shunned all outward display. Riches, worldly honor, and human greatness can never save a soul from death; Jesus purposed that no attraction of an earthly nature should call men to His side. Only the beauty of heavenly truth must draw those who would follow Him. The character of the Messiah had long been foretold in prophecy, and He desired men to accept Him upon the testimony of the word of God. {DA 43.1}[1]
§6
众天使对这光荣的救赎计划惊叹不已。他们来到选民之地，要看上帝的百姓将如何接待这位取了人性的圣子。外邦人是信神话、拜假神的。但天使所到之地原是上帝的荣光曾经显现，预言的光辉曾经照耀过的之地方。他们悄悄地来到耶路撒冷，到那些被指定为圣言的解释者和为上帝圣殿服务之人那里。早在祭司撒迦利亚在祭坛前供职时，天使就已向他宣布基督降世的日期近在眼前。此时基督的先锋（施洗约翰）已经诞生，他的使命有预言和奇事为证。约翰诞生的消息和他使命的奇妙意义早已传遍各地。然而耶路撒冷却没有准备迎接她的救赎主。[2]{DA 43.2}
§7
The angels had wondered at the glorious plan of redemption. They watched to see how the people of God would receive His Son, clothed in the garb of humanity. Angels came to the land of the chosen people. Other nations were dealing in fables and worshiping false gods. To the land where the glory of God had been revealed, and the light of prophecy had shone, the angels came. They came unseen to Jerusalem, to the appointed expositors of the Sacred Oracles, and the ministers of Gods house. Already to Zacharias the priest, as he ministered before the altar, the nearness of Christs coming had been announced. Already the forerunner was born, his mission attested by miracle and prophecy. The tidings of his birth and the wonderful significance of his mission had been spread abroad. Yet Jerusalem was not preparing to welcome her Redeemer. {DA 43.2}[2]
§8
天上的使者看到那些蒙上帝呼召，负责传扬神圣真理之光的人们，对基督的降临竟如此漠不关心，就不胜惊诧。犹太民族之所以被保存，就是要为基督在亚伯拉罕和大卫的后裔中降生一事作活的见证。而他们竟不知道他的降生已在眼前！圣殿里每天早晚的献祭，原是预指“上帝的羔羊”基督的。然而，就连这里也没有准备迎接他。国内的祭司和教师们，居然不知道那历代以来最伟大的事件将要发生。他们背诵的祷文空洞无意，他们敬拜的仪式只是做给人看的。他们只顾争夺属世的财富和尊荣，却没有为弥赛亚的显现作准备。这种漠不关心的态度遍及以色列全地。这时，天庭里已经弥漫着欣喜激动的欢乐，但人心既被自私之欲和世俗之念所充满，对天上的欢乐就没有丝毫的感觉了。世上只有少数人在指望看见那未见之主。天庭的使节便奉差遣到他们那里去了。[3]{DA 44.1}
§9
With amazement the heavenly messengers beheld the indifference of that people whom God had called to communicate to the world the light of sacred truth. The Jewish nation had been preserved as a witness that Christ was to be born of the seed of Abraham and of Davids line; yet they knew not that His coming was now at hand. In the temple the morning and the evening sacrifice daily pointed to the Lamb of God; yet even here was no preparation to receive Him. The priests and teachers of the nation knew not that the greatest event of the ages was about to take place. They rehearsed their meaningless prayers, and performed the rites of worship to be seen by men, but in their strife for riches and worldly honor they were not prepared for the revelation of the Messiah. The same indifference pervaded the land of Israel. Hearts selfish and world-engrossed were untouched by the joy that thrilled all heaven. Only a few were longing to behold the Unseen. To these heavens embassy was sent. {DA 44.1}[3]
§10
罗马皇帝下了诏书，通令其广大领土内的人民报名上册。这命令传到加利利山地的居民中，约瑟和马利亚就从他们的家乡拿撒勒起身，一路上有天使护送，赶赴大卫的城。从前古列被召，作世上大国的君王，是要叫他使上帝被掳的子民得释放。照样，该撒亚古士督也作了上帝的仆人，来实现上帝的旨意，将耶稣的母亲带到伯利恒来。马利亚是大卫的后代，而大卫的子孙必须生在大卫的城里。先知论伯利恒说：“将来必有一位从你那里出来，在以色列中为我作掌权的。他的根源从亘古，从太初就有。”（弥5:2）但是约瑟和马利亚，作为王族的后裔，身处在王的城中，却没有人认识他们，更没有人尊敬他们。夫妇俩疲惫不堪，无家可归，在狭窄的街道上拖着沉重的步履，从城门直走到城的尽东头，想找个栖身之处过夜，却找不着。拥挤的客店人满为患，哪里有他们落脚的地方。最后，夫妇俩总算找到一所圈养牲畜的简陋茅舍，就在这里，世界的救赎主降生了。[4]{DA 44.2}
§11
Angels attend Joseph and Mary as they journey from their home in Nazareth to the city of David. The decree of imperial Rome for the enrollment of the peoples of her vast dominion has extended to the dwellers among the hills of Galilee. As in old time Cyrus was called to the throne of the worlds empire that he might set free the captives of the Lord, so Caesar Augustus is made the agent for the fulfillment of Gods purpose in bringing the mother of Jesus to Bethlehem. She is of the lineage of David, and the Son of David must be born in Davids city. Out of Bethlehem, said the prophet, shall He come forth . . . that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity. Micah 5:2, margin. But in the city of their royal line, Joseph and Mary are unrecognized and unhonored. Weary and homeless, they traverse the entire length of the narrow street, from the gate of the city to the eastern extremity of the town, vainly seeking a resting place for the night. There is no room for them at the crowded inn. In a rude building where the beasts are sheltered, they at last find refuge, and here the Redeemer of the world is born. {DA 44.2}[4]
§12
正当世人对此一无所知的时候，天庭却已充满了喜乐。众圣者带着极其深切、温慈的关怀，从天上光明的世界到地上来。因着基督的降临，全世界光明倍增。在伯利恒群山的上空，无数天使正等待信号，要向世人宣告这大喜的信息。如果以色列的领袖们忠于任命，他们原可受托去报告耶稣降生的喜讯，同时分享这无比的欢乐，而现在他们却被越过了。[5]{DA 47.1}
§13
Men know it not, but the tidings fill heaven with rejoicing. With a deeper and more tender interest the holy beings from the world of light are drawn to the earth. The whole world is brighter for His presence. Above the hills of Bethlehem are gathered an innumerable throng of angels. They wait the signal to declare the glad news to the world. Had the leaders in Israel been true to their trust, they might have shared the joy of heralding the birth of Jesus. But now they are passed by. {DA 47.1}[5]
§14
上帝宣告：“我要将水浇灌口渴的人，将河浇灌干旱之地。”（赛44:3）“正直人在黑暗中，有光向他发现。”（诗112:4）从上帝宝座射出辉煌的光芒，必将照耀一切寻求并乐意接受真光的人。[6]{DA 47.2}
§15
God declares, I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness. Isaiah 44:3; Psalm 112:4. To those who are seeking for light, and who accept it with gladness, the bright rays from the throne of God will shine. {DA 47.2}[6]
§16
伯利恒的野地是大卫幼年牧羊的地方。今夜仍有牧羊人按着更次看守羊群。夜静更深时，他们在一起谈论所应许的救主，并祈求那继承大卫王位之圣者的降临。忽然，“有主的使者站在他们旁边，主的荣光四面照着他们，牧羊的人就甚惧怕。那天使对他们说：‘不要惧怕，我报给你们大喜的讯息，是关乎万民的，因今天在大卫的城里，为你们生了救主，就是主基督。’”[7]{DA 47.3}
§17
In the fields where the boy David had led his flock, shepherds were still keeping watch by night. Through the silent hours they talked together of the promised Saviour, and prayed for the coming of the King to Davids throne. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. {DA 47.3}[7]
§18
牧羊人一听这话，心中便充满荣耀的景象：拯救者果然来到以色列了！随着他的是威权、尊荣和胜利！但天使要使他们有思想准备，能在贫穷和屈辱中认识他们的救主。天使告诉牧羊人：“你们要看见一个婴孩，包着布，卧在马槽里，那就是记号了。”[8]{DA 47.4}
§19
At these words, visions of glory fill the minds of the listening shepherds. The Deliverer has come to Israel! Power, exaltation, triumph, are associated with His coming. But the angel must prepare them to recognize their Saviour in poverty and humiliation. This shall be a sign unto you, he says; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. {DA 47.4}[8]
§20
天使安抚了牧羊人的恐惧，告诉他们如何可以找到耶稣，又以温柔的关怀，体恤他们血肉之躯的软弱；给他们充分的时间，适应那神圣的光辉。天军发出的荣耀使整个平原明亮如同白昼。大地寂然无声，连上天也在垂听以下的歌声：“在至高之处荣耀归与上帝，在地上平安归与他所喜悦的人。”[9]{DA 47.5}
§21
The heavenly messenger had quieted their fears. He had told them how to find Jesus. With tender regard for their human weakness, he had given them time to become accustomed to the divine radiance. Then the joy and glory could no longer be hidden. The whole plain was lighted up with the bright shining of the hosts of God. Earth was hushed, and heaven stooped to listen to the song,-- Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men. {DA 47.5}[9]
§22
但愿今日全人类都能领会这首诗歌！当夜所宣告的信息和所奏的乐曲，将要声震万世，响彻地极。当“公义的日头，其光线有医治之能”兴起之时，这首诗将由无数圣徒的歌喉——如同众水的声音——交相应和着说：“哈利路亚！因为主我们的上帝，全能者作王了。”（启19:6）[10]{DA 48.1}
§23
Oh that today the human family could recognize that song! The declaration then made, the note then struck, will swell to the close of time, and resound to the ends of the earth. When the Sun of Righteousness shall arise, with healing in His wings, that song will be re-echoed by the voice of a great multitude, as the voice of many waters, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Revelation 19:6. {DA 48.1}[10]
§24
忽然间，成群的天使不见了，荣光也消失了。黑暗的夜幕又笼罩伯利恒的山岗。但那肉眼所未见过的光明景象，还留在牧羊人的记忆中。“众天使离开他们升天去了，牧羊的人彼此说：‘我们往伯利恒去，看看所成的事，就是主所指示我们的。’他们急忙去了，就寻见马利亚和约瑟，又有那婴孩卧在马槽里。”[11]{DA 48.2}
§25
As the angels disappeared, the light faded away, and the shadows of night once more fell on the hills of Bethlehem. But the brightest picture ever beheld by human eyes remained in the memory of the shepherds. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. {DA 48.2}[11]
§26
他们欢喜快乐地离去了，就把所见所闻的传扬开来。“凡听见的，就诧异牧羊之人对他们所说的话。马利亚却把这一切的事存在心里，反复思想。牧羊的人回去了，……就归荣耀与上帝，赞美他。”[12]{DA 48.3}
§27
Departing with great joy, they made known the things they had seen and heard. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God. {DA 48.3}[12]
§28
现今天地之间的距离并不比当日牧羊人聆听天使歌声时更远。今日人类仍是天庭极为关怀的，正如古时从事普通工作的的平民在白日遇见天使，在葡萄园和田野中与天使说话一样。对于我们现代这些平凡的人，天离我们也未必很远。来自天庭的使者必步步随那些听上帝的吩咐，叫来就来叫去就去的人们。[13]{DA 48.4}
§29
Heaven and earth are no wider apart today than when shepherds listened to the angels song. Humanity is still as much the object of heavens solicitude as when common men of common occupations met angels at noonday, and talked with the heavenly messengers in the vineyards and the fields. To us in the common walks of life, heaven may be very near. Angels from the courts above will attend the steps of those who come and go at Gods command. {DA 48.4}[13]
§30
伯利恒的故事讲不完，其中蕴藏着“深哉！上帝丰富的智慧和知识。”（罗11:33）救主的牺牲，竟以天上的宝座换取马槽；以伴随他敬拜他的天使，换成马厩中默默陪伴他的牲畜，看到这一切，我们能不惊奇吗？人的骄傲和自满在基督面前深受责备。然而，这不过是他屈驾降卑的开始！上帝的儿子即使取了亚当在伊甸园尚未犯罪的人性，已是无限的屈辱。何况耶稣所接受的竟是经过四千年犯罪堕落之后的人性。像亚当的每个儿女一样，耶稣承受了普遍的遗传规律所造成的后果。这种后果可在他属世祖先的历史中窥见一斑。他带着这种遗传，来分担我们的忧患和试探，给我们留下一个无罪生活的榜样。[14]{DA 48.5}
§31
The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God. Romans 11:33. We marvel at the Saviours sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in His presence. Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take mans nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life. {DA 48.5}[14]
§32
撒但在天上的时，因基督在上帝天庭的地位而恨他；及至自己的位份被废黜，就更恨他了。撒但所恨的是为救赎犯罪人类而献身的主；而上帝竟让他的爱子到这个被撒但窃为己有、自立为王的世上来，作个弱小的婴孩，与世人同有肉体的软弱。上帝让他冒失败和永远丧亡的风险，经历人间每一个孩童所必须经历的战斗，并与我们一样应付人生的艰险。[15]{DA 49.1}
§33
Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet lifes peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss. {DA 49.1}[15]
§34
可怜天下父母心，总是惦念自己的孩子，瞧着他幼嫩的脸，想到人生的危险，心中颤栗不已，渴望护庇新爱的孩子脱离撒但的权势，免去试探和苦难。而上帝竟赐下他的独生爱子，来应付更艰苦的斗争和更可怕的危难，为我们的孩子开辟安稳的人生道路。“这就是爱！”诸天哪，惊奇吧！大地啊，诧异吧！[16]{DA 49.2}
§35
The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of lifes peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satans power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. Herein is love. Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth! {DA 49.2}[16]